Floods turn Tweed into

Declaration gives council access to funds to fix damaged infrastructure

PARTS of the Tweed Shire, declared a natural disaster area by Federal Government after constant rain and flooding, face worsening conditions this morning.

Last night, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) warned major flooding was expected in Tumbulgum early this morning. Heavy rain had caused renewed river level rises upstream of Murwillumbah and Tumbulgum, BoM warned.

Moderate flooding was also expected at Murwillumbah and Chinderah (Barneys Point) this morning, with the high tide. The Tweed River at Tumbulgum was expected to reach the major flood level (2.50m) overnight and further rises were considered possible.

The Federal declaration provides the Tweed Shire Council with access to disaster assistance funding under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to repair essential public infrastructure damaged by flooding.

Earlier yesterday, council roads and stormwater manager Danny Rose said many roads were affected by water and several closed but the council was not yet in a position to understand the full damage still unfolding.

There were multiple small landslips and potholes.

The roadworks section of Kyogle Rd at Bray Park was rough due to the rain on the exposed surface and the public was warned to take extra care.

The left-hand lane of Leisure Dr/Darlington Dr roundabout at Banora Point (southwestern corner) will remain closed for several days due to a sewer manhole collapse undermining the road.

“We are constantly updating myroadinfo.com.au as we verify road conditions and while that information is not real-time it is as up to date as we can get, as we do need to confirm conditions before we publish closure and hazard information,” Mr Rose said.

“At these times all motorists should drive expecting water, fallen trees and possible landslips to be on the road – any and every road. They should put their lights on, slow down and extend the safe travelling distance behind the car in front. Accidents from careless driving will make the traffic conditions worse, so please drive to conditions.”

Bin services are being impacted by road closures and the wet weather.

“If you and your neighbours haven’t had your bin emptied, there is no need to ring the council and report it,” Mr Rose. “Solo will resume collections in these areas when they are able to do so. Please leave your bins out.”

Incredibly, the Tweed was on water restrictions last week.

A whopping 660mm of rain has poured down on Tweed Heads in the past seven days, filling Clarrie Hall dam and lifting water restrictions.

From scorched dry earth to lost crops farmers across the Tweed can’t seem to catch a break

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster David Wilke yesterday said 156mm of rain drenched the Tweed on Wednesday night and a further 67mm had fallen since 9am yesterday by the afternoon.

Mr Wilke said rainfall would persist for a next week.

“It will ease from time to time, but there’s a chance of rainfall most days for the next week,” Mr Wilke said.

“As we head into (today) and (tomorrow), there will be a little less rain, then it will pick up again on Sunday.”

Mr Wilke said a cyclone over the Coral Sea would not cause more rainfall but would likely bring strong winds and hazardous surf.

Marine Rescue NSW Point Danger unit commander Glenda Ashby said a visual of the Tweed River Bar was horrendous.

Ms Ashby said “half a tree” was reported floating down the Tweed River and urged boaters to stay out of the water until conditions improved.

“We ask if people can put off a trip in their vessels while the bad weather is around because it’s volunteers and emergency service workers who put their lives on the line if someone needs help.”

Some flights in and out of the Gold Coast Airport were affected from the heavy downpour.